Positano Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Positano, Campania, Italy)

The picturesque town of Positano lies along a hill on Italy's southwestern Mediterranean coastline, some 15 minutes from the major tourist town of Sorrento, and is a popular upscale destination celebrated in several Hollywood movies. Protected by the mountains, its climate is mild and dry, and its colourful buildings cover the terraced side of the hill.

The entire town is a pedestrian zone, with porters available to transfer items from the car parks at Piazza dei Mulini. Road access to Positano is via the A3 motorway or the Amalfi coast road, jammed with tourists in summer. Access by sea, available only in the summer, is via Naples, Sorrento or Salerno, and there are no direct rail services to Positano. Bus services run hourly from Naples, Sorrento and Salerno.


Positano is fashionable with artists, musicians and a cosmopolitan selection of international jet-setting society, resulting in an exclusive social scene. Its beaches are renowned and its marina is a haven for upscale yachts. The surrounding countryside is, quite simply, breathtaking.

Properties in the twisting streets are almost invariably traditional in style, as conservation of the town's ambiance is a priority. Villas are rarely available and extremely expensive, due to the town's exclusivity. Apartments are occasionally listed, but again, prices are in the seven-figure plus range, comparable with the most sought-after areas of major European cities. Inland, prices are more reasonable, particularly on renovation properties.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Most serviced apartments in Positano are of a high standard, have views of the sea coast, and are close to restaurants and other amenities. Upscale fittings, facilities, and furnishings are usual, with prices to match, and extra services can be expensive. Security deposits are often mandatory.

Buying Apartments and Houses

In the event that a suitable property is found, the services of a notary are essential, as although there are no restrictions on foreign ownership, the process is complicated. An Italian bank account is necessary, as the final payment must be made by banker's cheque after transfer of funds. Initially, a contract is drawn up between the buyer and seller, which includes comprehensive details of the property.

On signing, a 20 percent deposit is paid, and the buyer must also obtain a tax code from the tax office. Checks will be made by the notary and the balance of the purchase price is paid on exchange of the final contract. Sales tax is payable by the buyer on a 'declared value' basis, lower than the actual purchase price. Other charges amount to around ten percent of the purchase price, and the realtor's charge is three percent.

Real Estate Agents

Most real estate agents dealing with Positano are either online or with offices in the UK or Europe. Here are three of the most notable:

Realpoint Italy
Address: Beverly, East Yorkshire, England, UK
Tel: +44 0845 331 2812
Email: contact via website
Website: www.realpointitaly.com
This online agent's website, fully informative about all areas in Italy and the purchasing process, deals with the Positano area.

Coppola Immobiliare
Address: Corso Italia 310, Sorrento, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 081 807 4608
Email: contact via website
Website: www.coppolaimmobiliare.com
This agency is located in Sorrento, but occasionally lists Positano properties. The website is bilingual, although rather basic

Casaitalai International
Address: Piazza della Vittoria 26, Spoleto, IT-06049, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 074 322 0182
Email: info@casait.it
Webite: www.casait.ot
This agency presents luxury properties in Italy, and may be able to source in Positano.